1.Analysis of the Guidelines for Ethical Review of Clinical Research Involving Mental Disorders
Xueqin WANG ; Hongqiang SUN ; Yiting LI ; Lin LU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):23-30
The ethical review of clinical research involving mental disorders in the ethical governance of scientific and technological has obvious particularities, especially in the field of artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces which are reflected in the impact on mental autonomy, the impaired informed consent ability of participants with severe mental disorders in research, and other aspects. In addition, the stigma of illness, the use of placebo, and psychological assessment methods in clinical research have also drawn attention to the ethical review of psychiatry. In 2020, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission issued the Guidelines for Ethical Review of Clinical Research Involving Mental Disorders (Guidelines). Shen Yucun’s Psychiatry, compiled in 2023, revised the application of the Guidelines in the context of ethical governance. An analysis was conducted on the purpose and significance of its issuance and revision, its scope of application, the principal responsibility of ethical review in medical and health institutions, and the key content of ethical review in psychiatry, to improve the quality of ethical review in clinical research involving mental disorders and promote the standardized development of clinical research in psychiatry.
2.Key roles of the superficial zone in articular cartilage physiology, pathology, and regeneration.
Li GUO ; Pengcui LI ; Xueqin RONG ; Xiaochun WEI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1399-1410
The superficial zone (SFZ) of articular cartilage is an important interface that isolates deeper zones from the microenvironment of the articular cavity and is directly exposed to various biological and mechanical stimuli. The SFZ is not only a crucial structure for maintaining the normal physiological function of articular cartilage but also the earliest site of osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage degeneration and a major site of cartilage progenitor cells, suggesting that the SFZ might represent a key target for the early diagnosis and treatment of OA. However, to date, SFZ research has not received sufficient attention, accounting for only about 0.58% of cartilage tissue research. The structure, biological composition, function, and related mechanisms of the SFZ in the physiological and pathological processes of articular cartilage remain unclear. This article reviews the key role of the SFZ in articular cartilage physiology and pathology and focuses on the characteristics of SFZ in articular cartilage degeneration and regeneration in OA, aiming to provide researchers with a systematic understanding of the current research status of the SFZ of articular cartilage, hoping that scholars will give more attention to the SFZ of articular cartilage in the future.
Cartilage, Articular/pathology*
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Humans
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Regeneration/physiology*
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Animals
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Osteoarthritis/physiopathology*
3.Current status of generalized pustular psoriasis: Findings from a multicenter hospital-based survey of 127 Chinese patients.
Haimeng WANG ; Jiaming XU ; Xiaoling YU ; Siyu HAO ; Xueqin CHEN ; Bin PENG ; Xiaona LI ; Ping WANG ; Chaoyang MIAO ; Jinzhu GUO ; Qingjie HU ; Zhonglan SU ; Sheng WANG ; Chen YU ; Qingmiao SUN ; Minkuo ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Yuzhen LI ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Songmei GENG ; Aijun CHEN ; Zigang XU ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Qianjin LU ; Yan LU ; Xian JIANG ; Gang WANG ; Hong FANG ; Qing SUN ; Jie LIU ; Hongzhong JIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):953-961
BACKGROUND:
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP.
CONCLUSIONS
The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Psoriasis/pathology*
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Adult
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Adolescent
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Child
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Young Adult
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Quality of Life
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Middle Aged
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China/epidemiology*
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Recurrence
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Risk Factors
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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East Asian People
4.Intermittent fasting ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by harassing deregulated synovial fibroblasts.
Lei LI ; Jin DONG ; Yumu ZHANG ; Chen ZHAO ; Wen WEI ; Xueqin GAO ; Yao YU ; Meilin LU ; Qiyuan SUN ; Yuwei CHEN ; Xuehua JIAO ; Jie LU ; Na YUAN ; Yixuan FANG ; Jianrong WANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(23):3201-3203
5.Adar3 promotes macrophage M2 polarization and alleviates viral myocarditis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Mengying ZHANG ; Zhi LI ; Weiya PEI ; Shujun WAN ; Xueqin LI ; Kun LYU ; Xiaolong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):769-777
Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of RNA-Specific adenosine deaminase 3 (Adar3) in regulating macrophage polarization during Coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis (VM). Methods Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from mice were cultured in vitro and induced into M1/M2 macrophages using interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin 4 (IL-4), respectively. The mRNA expression levels of Adar1, Adar2, and Adar3 in each group of cells were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Specific siRNAs targeting the Adar3 gene were designed, synthesized, and transiently transfected into M2 macrophages. The mRNA levels of M2 polarization-related marker genes-including arginase 1 (Arg1), chitinase 3-like molecule 3 (YM1/Chi3l3), and resistin-like molecule alpha (RELMα/FIZZ1)-were detected by qRT-PCR. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the signaling pathways affected by Adar3. The expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were further validated using qRT-PCR and Western blot. The adeno-associated virus overexpressing Adar3 was designed, synthesized, and injected into mice via tail vein. Three weeks later, a myocarditis mouse model was established. After an additional week, the phenotype and function of cardiac macrophages, as well as multiple indicators of VM (including echocardiography, body weight, histopathology and serology) were examined. Additionally, the protein levels of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were assessed. Results Compared to M0-type macrophages, the expression level of Adar3 was significantly increased in M2-type macrophages. After transfection of Adar3 siRNA, the mRNA levels of Arg1, YM1 and FIZZ1 in M2 macrophages were downregulated. RNA sequencing revealed 149 upregulated genes and 349 downregulated genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and subsequent validation experiments indicated that Adar3 modulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Adar3 overexpression alleviated the cardiac dysfunction of VM mice. The proportion of M1 macrophages in the heart decreased, while the proportion of M2 macrophages increased. At the same time, the Adar3 overexpression activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion Adar3 promotes macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby alleviating VM.
Animals
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Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism*
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Wnt Signaling Pathway/genetics*
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Myocarditis/immunology*
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Mice
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Coxsackievirus Infections/metabolism*
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Male
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Enterovirus B, Human/physiology*
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beta Catenin/genetics*
6.Research progress on multi-omics biomarkers in Sjogren's syndrome.
Xueqin ZHOU ; Huan LI ; Zhina ZHAO ; Qin LI ; Bingsen WANG ; Songwei LI
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(10):921-928
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a common autoimmune disorder that primarily targets exocrine glands, leading to hallmark manifestations of xerostomia and xerophthalmia, with potential progression to multisystem involvement. The rapid advances in omics technologies-including metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics-have yielded substantial insights into SS pathophysiology. This review consolidates current evidence on omics-derived biomarkers in SS. Studies consistently implicate aberrant glucose metabolism, neutrophil-derived enzyme activity, mitochondrial bioenergetic impairment, ferroptosis, and apoptotic pathways as central to SS development. These findings refine our understanding of disease mechanisms and the heterogeneity of therapeutic responses. Hydroxyproline has emerged as a candidate marker for distinguishing SS from IgG4-related disease, whereas distinct cytokine and chemokine signatures may enable earlier diagnosis. Genomic analyses demonstrate a robust association between expression of the rs11797 locus and SS-related lymphomagenesis, and several genes controlling DNA methylation represent promising therapeutic targets. Collectively, these findings lay the groundwork for personalized risk stratification and intervention in SS. The review concludes by summarizing existing progress and outlining priorities for future omics-based investigations.
Humans
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Sjogren's Syndrome/diagnosis*
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Biomarkers/analysis*
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Metabolomics/methods*
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Proteomics/methods*
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Genomics
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Multiomics
7.Shuangshu Decoction inhibits growth of gastric cancer cell xenografts by promoting cell ferroptosis via the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.
Xinyuan CHEN ; Chengting WU ; Ruidi LI ; Xueqin PAN ; Yaodan ZHANG ; Junyu TAO ; Caizhi LIN
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(7):1363-1371
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism of Shuangshu Decoction (SSD) for inhibiting growth of gastric cancer xenografts in nude mice.
METHODS:
Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify the common targets of SSD and gastric cancer cell ferroptosis, and bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking were used to validate the core targets. In the cell experiment, AGS cells were treated with SSD-medicated serum, Fer-1 (a ferroptosis inhibitor), or both, and the changes in cell viability, ferroptosis markers (ROS, Fe2+ and GSH), expressions of P53, SLC7A11 and GPX4, and mitochondrial morphology were examined. In a nude mouse model bearing gastric cancer xenografts, the effects of gavage with SSD, intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1, or their combination on tumor volume/weight, histopathology, and expressions of P53, SLC7A11 and GPX4 levels were evaluated.
RESULTS:
The active components in SSD (quercetin and wogonin) showed strong binding affinities to P53. In AGS cells, SSD treatment dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation, increased ROS and Fe2+ levels, upregulated P53 expression, and downregulated the expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4, but these effects were effectively attenuated by Fer-1 treatment. SSD also induced mitochondrial shrinkage and increased the membrane density, which were alleviated by Fer-1. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, gavage with SSD significantly reduced tumor size and weight, caused tumor cell necrosis, upregulated P53 and downregulated SLC7A11 and GPX4 expression in the tumor tissue, and these effects were obviously mitigated by Fer-1 treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
SSD inhibits gastric cancer growth in nude mice by inducing cell ferroptosis via the P53/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis.
Ferroptosis/drug effects*
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Animals
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Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism*
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Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism*
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Mice, Nude
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Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Humans
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Amino Acid Transport System y+/metabolism*
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Mice
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
8.A minimally invasive, fast on/off "odorgenetic" method to manipulate physiology.
Yanqiong WU ; Xueqin XU ; Shanchun SU ; Zeyong YANG ; Xincai HAO ; Wei LU ; Jianghong HE ; Juntao HU ; Xiaohui LI ; Hong YU ; Xiuqin YU ; Yangqiao XIAO ; Shuangshuang LU ; Linhan WANG ; Wei TIAN ; Hongbing XIANG ; Gang CAO ; Wen Jun TU ; Changbin KE
Protein & Cell 2025;16(7):615-620
9.Design of a head auxiliary support device in prone position.
Xinyu LI ; Weilian NI ; Weiqiang HUO ; Xueqin ZHAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(3):297-299
Prone position ventilation (PPV) is an important protective strategy for lung ventilation, widely used in clinical practice, especially since the novel coronavirus infection pandemic. Since PPV is a non-physiological position, improper implementation and management can lead to serious adverse events such as pressure injury, facial edema, unplanned extubation and (or) reintubation, and even asphyxia. At present, preventive and protective strategies are mainly used to manage PPV-related complications in clinical practice. These strategies not only increase the workload of medical staff and the use of consumables, but also increase the medical cost of patients, further burdening patients and their families economically. To overcome the above problems, the medical staff of the department of critical care medicine of Tianjin Third Central Hospital designed a prone position head auxiliary support device and obtained a national utility model patent (patent number: ZL 2022 2 1751906.3). The device consists of annular plate, folding plate, support frame, reflector and wheel bodies. It serves to reduce pressure on the head and facial skin, while also exposing the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears to the hollow position of the annular plate according to the patient's position. At the same time, the patient's face or side skin can be observed through the lower reflector. The height of the annular plate was adjusted by adjusting the support frame, and the head was raised to reduce facial edema. The setting of strip groove, through hole and hook can sort out the facial pipeline, keep the drainage unobstructed, prevent catheter displacement and unplanned extubation, and has certain clinical promotion and practical value.
Humans
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Prone Position
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Equipment Design
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Respiration, Artificial/methods*
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COVID-19
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Head
;
Patient Positioning
10.Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for efficient biosynthesis of L-citrulline.
Linfeng XU ; Wenwen YU ; Xuewen ZHU ; Quanwei ZHANG ; Yaokang WU ; Jianghua LI ; Guocheng DU ; Xueqin LV ; Jian CHEN ; Long LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):242-255
L-citrulline is a nonprotein amino acid that plays an important role in human health and has great market demand. Although microbial cell factories have been widely used for biosynthesis, there are still challenges such as genetic instability and low efficiency in the biosynthesis of L-citrulline. In this study, an efficient, plasmid-free, non-inducible L-citrulline-producing strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was engineered by combined strategies. Firstly, a chassis strain capable of synthesizing L-citrulline was constructed by block of L-citrulline degradation and removal of feedback inhibition, with the L-citrulline titer of 0.43 g/L. Secondly, a push-pull-restrain strategy was employed to enhance the L-citrulline biosynthesis, which realized the L-citrulline titer of 6.0 g/L. Thirdly, the NADPH synthesis and L-citrulline transport were strengthened to promote the synthesis efficiency, which achieved the L-citrulline titer of 11.6 g/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed with the engineered strain in a 3 L fermenter, in which the L-citrulline titer reached 44.9 g/L. This study lays the foundation for the industrial production of L-citrulline and provides insights for the modification of other amino acid metabolic networks.
Citrulline/biosynthesis*
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Escherichia coli/genetics*
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Metabolic Engineering/methods*
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Fermentation
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NADP/biosynthesis*

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